Actor and comedian Paddy McGuinness and former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff will replace Matt LeBlanc for the next series.

The BBC confirmed the pair have signed a two-year deal and it is hoped that they will bring the show "back to the glory years".

They are believed to be set to earn around £500,000 each.

The Sun claimed the pair impressed bosses with their "infectious" chemistry during a secret run-though at a test track.

While actor Matt will be quitting after the next series , 42-year-old Chris Harris will be staying.

Andrew Flintoff before the serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli in April 2018 (Image: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

A source told the publication: "Paddy and Freddie are real curveball signings which no one predicted and bosses are delighted with them.

"The BBC think having a British trio - two Lancashire lads and a car buff - is a good move."

They added that both Paddy and Andrew are "car-mad" and that their partnership "should bring back the old days of Top Gear".

"The BBC's top bosses and everyone else involved in the casting were bowled over by Paddy and Freddie - they are utterly infectious and will bring a new energy and competitive spirit to the show," the source said.

The news comes after ex-Friends actor Matt announced that he was quitting the show earlier this year.

He first joined the show alongside Chris Evans, Chris Harris and Rory back in 2016.